Last Updated on October 14, 2025 by SampleBoard
With more of us looking to reduce our environmental impact, it makes sense that eco-conscious couples may prefer sustainable solutions to lower their carbon footprint during their wedding. Typically, most attention during and before the nuptials is given to sustainable catering ideas, eco-friendly outfits, and decor, while one often overlooked area is photography. Let's explore how to embrace sustainable wedding photography from start to finish.
Whether you’re a celebrity with mega bucks to lavish on your big day or not, hosting a wedding will probably be the biggest event you’re likely to organize for yourselves in a lifetime.
From dinners to travel and gifts to lighting, the latest research shows that weddings are likely to be your most carbon-intensive day as a couple.
Estimates suggest that the average carbon footprint amounts to around 56 metric tons (62 tons) of CO2.
Therefore, one option is to find a photographer who shares the same ethos as you do as a couple.
If possible, review their portfolio, meet up in person, ask about previous eco-friendly venues they’ve worked at, the processes they follow to process pictures, and read testimonials they have.
Many eco-conscious photographers are proud to showcase their green credentials, belong to organizations that promote sustainability in the industry, or have environmental certificates, paperless booking systems, or opt for digital images over prints.
If you’re planning a wedding of any size, there’s usually plenty to think about.
Beyond selecting a professional with green values, there are other ways to embrace sustainable wedding photography.
You could take a proportion of your photos on the big day and have full control over where and when they are taken. Taking a DIY approach is an opportunity to familiarize yourself with eco-friendly gear.
Nominating a guest or family friend to be your designated photographer is often more affordable, definitely more personal, and can even be a more sustainable choice than hiring a pro!
Think about investing in a camera for them to get some practice – you could then take it on your honeymoon!
For a green approach, check out pre-owned cameras from ethical marketplaces with a circular model.
MPB is a fantastic example, doing more than just selling used gear with their plastic-free packaging and renewable energy efforts, and they even have fantastic wedding techniques and tips specifically for capturing weddings.
Whoever is taking the pictures, using second-hand equipment, will also indirectly extend the lifecycle of products and help to reduce long-term manufacturing demand for equipment.
It’s increasingly easy to embrace sustainable options in wedding photography.
Aligning with a photographer who shares your eco-conscious goals will significantly enhance your wedding day’s sustainability efforts.
Even smaller details, such as checking whether they use rechargeable batteries rather than disposable ones, which lowers chemical waste, contribute to a greener approach.
From camera straps made of recycled materials to eco-friendly camera bags, there are numerous ways photographers can green their gear.
As you get to know your wedding photographer better, it might be helpful to have friendly and open discussions on what they do in general to be a more sustainable photographer and the habits they have adopted or apply to all their projects.
Reduce environmental impact during your photo session by requesting digital previews before printing, creating an efficient shot list to avoid redundancy, using sustainable props, embracing natural lighting when possible, and choosing photo locations that don't disturb sensitive ecosystems.
These simple adjustments significantly decrease the ecological footprint of capturing your special day.
First and foremost, to cut travel emissions, try and ensure that the majority of consultations with your photographer are done via video calls rather than in-person meetings that require travel.
You may opt for a photographer who is based near your venue to reduce travel distances. This not only lowers emissions, but it can help to minimize unnecessary travel if you organize an engagement shoot early on.
After the wedding, you’ll likely want to preserve treasured photos for as long as possible, and it’s possible to choose sustainable albums that have been made with recycled paper and ethically-sourced or natural options.
Trending at the moment are albums made from sustainably-sourced materials like eco-friendly leather, cotton, and organic paper that have a minimal environmental impact and are perfect if you’re a couple who cares about the planet.
Similarly, when annotating the pages inside, use plant-based inks and FSC-certified materials that are a green choice and will be used on album covers made from hemp or other innovative alternatives, like bamboo, that combine beauty and style with a minimal environmental impact.
You can also go a step further by reusing photos in thank-you notes to guests and as shared images to raise awareness about sustainable weddings.
It’s an opportunity to promote and pledge your joint support for environmental charities, causes, and campaigns.
Ultimately, sustainable wedding photography works best as part of an overall eco-conscious approach to your special day.
To further embrace this, couples can also utilize digital planning tools to manage and communicate all aspects of their sustainable wedding journey.
With that in mind, make your photographer aware of other elements of your wedding that they can document as part of your green celebrations.
Whether you're just starting to plan your wedding or are looking for ways to make it a more environmentally conscious celebration, incorporating sustainable photography practices is a meaningful step toward an eco-conscious day that you can be proud of for years to come.
